Extractor For High Pressure Extraction Of A Matrix

ABSTRACT

Generally, an extraction system useful in separating an extract from a matrix using one or more extractants. Specifically, an extractor including one or more of: an extraction vessel having an extractor vessel internal surface which defines an extraction chamber which communicates between open extraction vessel first and second ends, a first piston configured to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel first end or a second piston adapted to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel second end.

This United States non-provisional patent application claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/319,214, filed Apr. 6,2016, hereby incorporated by reference in the entirety herein.

I. SUMMARY

Generally, an extraction system useful in separating an extract from amatrix using one or more extractants. Specifically, an extractorincluding one or more of: an extraction vessel having an extractorvessel internal surface which defines an extraction chamber whichcommunicates between open extraction vessel first and second ends, afirst piston configured to sealably engage the extractor vessel internalsurface of the extraction vessel first end or a second piston adapted tosealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extractionvessel second end.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

II. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left front side perspective view of an embodiment of anextraction system having a first extraction vessel in a first positionhaving the longitudinal axis in a substantially vertical orientation.

FIG. 2 is a left front side perspective view of an embodiment of theextraction system having the first extraction vessel in a secondposition having the longitudinal axis in a substantially verticalorientation.

FIG. 3 is a left front side perspective view of an embodiment of theextraction system having a first extraction vessel in a second positionrotated about an extraction vessel rotation element axis.

FIG. 4 is a left front side perspective view of an embodiment of theextraction system having a first extraction vessel in a second positionhaving the longitudinal axis in a substantially horizontal orientation.

FIG. 5 is cross sectional view 5-5 of the embodiment of the extractionsystem shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the extraction system shownin FIG. 5 with a first piston sealably engaged with the internal surfaceof the first extraction vessel at a first end and retained by a firstpiston retaining member.

FIG. 7 is the enlarged view of a portion of the extraction system shownin FIG. 5 with the first piston sealably engaged with the internalsurface of the first extraction vessel at a first end with the firstpiston retaining member disengage from the first piston.

FIG. 8 is the enlarged view of a portion of the extraction system shownin FIG. 5 with the first piston disengaged from the internal surface ofthe first extraction vessel at a first end and the extraction vesselmoved to the extraction vessel second position.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the extraction vessel shownin FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the firstextraction vessel shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11A is front elevation view of the portion of the first extractionvessel shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view 11B-11B of the portion of the firstextraction vessel shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a portion of an extractor assembly shownin FIG. 1 including first and second piston retaining assemblies andconnecting plates.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a portion of an extractor assembly shownin FIG. 1 including the extraction vessel, first and second porous endassemblies, extraction vessel housing, and extraction vessel support.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 13 which depict an extractionsystem (1) useful in separating an extract (2) from a matrix (3) usingone or more extractants (4). Specifically, an extractor (5) includingone or more of: an extraction vessel (6) having an extractor vesselinternal surface (7) which defines an extraction chamber (8) whichcommunicates between open extraction vessel first and second ends(9)(10), a first piston (11) which slidably sealably engages theextractor vessel internal surface (7) proximate the extraction vesselfirst end (9) or a second piston (12) which slidably sealably engagesthe extractor vessel internal surface (7) proximate the extractionvessel second end (10).

For the purposes of this invention the term “extractant” encompasses anysubstance or combination of substances primarily responsible for thetransfer of an extract (2) from a matrix (3).

For the purposes of this invention the term “supercritical fluid” meansan extractant (2) above its critical temperature (T_(C)) and criticalpressure (P_(C)). The critical point represents the highest temperatureand pressure at which the extractant (2) can exist as a vapor and liquidin equilibrium which can effuse through the interstices of a matrix (3)like a gas and dissolve an extract (2) contained in the matrix (3) likea liquid and without limitation to the breadth of the foregoingillustrative examples include: carbon dioxide, water, methane, ethane,propane, ethylene, propylene, methanol, ethanol, and acetone, orcombinations thereof, above their respective T_(C) and P_(C).Illustrative examples of the critical points of various extractants (2)are set out in Table I below.

TABLE I Critical Critical Temperature Pressure Extractant (° C.) (bar)Carbon dioxide 31.1 73.8 Ethane 32.2 48.8 Ethylene 9.3 50.4 Propane 96.742.5 Propylene 91.9 46.2 Cyclohexane 280.3 40.7 Isopropanol 235.2 47.6Benzene 289.0 48.9 Toluene 318.6 41.1 p-Xylene 343.1 35.2Chlorotrifluoromethane 28.9 39.2 Trichlorofluoromethane 198.1 44.1Ammonia 132.5 112.8 Water 374.2 220.5

For the purposes of this invention the term “subcritical fluid”encompasses an extractant (2) below its critical temperature (T_(C)) andcritical pressure (P_(C)), and without limitation to the breadth of theforegoing includes as illustrative examples the extractants (2) setforth in Table I below their critical temperature (T_(C)) and criticalpressure (P_(C)).

For the purposes of this invention the term “supercritical conditions”encompasses conditions above an extractant's (2) critical temperature(T_(C)) and critical pressure (P_(C)).

For the purposes of this invention the term “subcritical conditions”encompasses conditions below an extractant's (2) critical temperature(T_(C)) and critical pressure (P_(C)).

For the purposes of this invention, the term “matrix” encompasses anymaterial through which an extractant (2)(whether a subcritical fluid orsupercritical fluid) can effuse, and without limitation to the breadthof the foregoing, illustrative examples of matrices (3), include:coffee, seeds (as illustrative examples: grape seeds, rape seeds,sunflower seed, sesame seed, passion fruit seeds, canola seeds, mustardseeds, flax seeds, cranberry seeds, cannabis seeds or celery seeds),spices (as illustrative examples: ginger, clove bud, nutmeg, aniseed,coriander, pepper, cinnamon bark, cumin, marjoram, rosemary, sage, andthyme), animal tissues (as illustrative examples: mammalian, bird, fishor crustacean sources), plant materials (whether fresh or dry) (asillustrative examples: bark, wood, leaves, stems, roots, flowers,fruits, seeds, berries or parts thereof and without limitation to thebreadth of the forgoing: tobacco plant, eucalyptus plant, rosemaryplant, mango plant, tea plant, cannabis plant, neem plant, algae, andfungi) and in particular plant flowers (whether fresh or day)(such aslavender flower, chamomile flower, marigold flowers, tea flowers,magnolia flower, cannabis flowers, and hops flowers), grains (such ascorn, wheat, rye, an oats), soil, foods, or combinations thereof,whether whole or comminuted.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “cannabis plant(s)”encompasses plants in the Cannabis genus and without limitation to thebreadth of the foregoing includes Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, andCannabis ruderalis along with the variants and strains which are theresult of genetic crosses, self-crosses or hybrids thereof orgenetically modified strains, which may naturally contain differentamounts of individual cannabinoids.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “cannabis plant material”encompasses plant material derived from one or more cannabis plantsregardless of the part of the cannabis plant or whether fresh or driedcannabis biomass.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “extract” encompasses anycomponent contained in a matrix (3) (whether soluble in subcritical orsupercritical fluid) and without limitation to the breadth of theforegoing, includes: seed oils (as illustrative examples: corn seed oil,grape seed oil, rape seed oil, sunflower oil, sesame seed oil, passionfruit seed oil, canola seed oil, mustard seed oil, cannabis seed oil,flax seed oil), grain oils (as illustrative examples: wheat oil, ryeoil, oat oil), spice oils (as illustrative examples: ginger oil, clovebud oil, nutmeg oil, celery seed oil, aniseed oil, coriander oil, pepperoleoresin and oil, cinnamon oil, cumin oil, marjoram oil, rosemary oil,sage oil, thyme oil), botanical drug substances (for examplecannabinoids such as Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol Δ⁹-THC,Δ⁸-tetrahydrocannabinol Δ⁸-THC, cannabichromene CBC, cannabidiol CBD,cannabigerol CBG, cannabinidiol CBND. cannabinol CBN carboxylic acidsthereof) bitters, food colors (such as paprika color), caffeine,nicotine, food colors, lanolin, cholesterol, antioxidants, lipids, freefatty acids, phosphatids (hydratable and non-hydratable), pesticides, orcombinations thereof.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “botanical drug substances”encompasses an extract (2) which fulfils the definition of a “botanicaldrug substance” provided in the Guidance for Industry Botanical DrugProducts, June 2004, US Department of Health and Human Services, Foodand Drug Administration Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research of: “Adrug substance derived from one or more plants, algae, or macroscopicfungi. It is prepared from botanical raw materials by one or more of thefollowing processes: pulverization, decoction, expression, aqueousextraction, ethanolic extraction, or other similar processes.”

Now referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 13, an extraction vessel (6)can have an extraction vessel side wall (13) disposed between extractionvessel external and internal surfaces (7)(14). The extraction vesselinternal surface (7) defines an extraction chamber (8) whichcommunicates between open extraction vessel first and second ends(9)(10). The extraction vessel (6) can, but need not necessarily, have acylindrical vessel side wall (13) defining in cross section orthogonalto the extraction vessel longitudinal axis (15) a circular extractionvessel internal surface (7) between the extraction vessel first andsecond ends (9)(10). As one example, the extraction vessel (6) can beconfigured as a cylinder having an internal diameter of about 2 inches(about 51 millimeters) to about 6 inches (about 152 millimeters) andhaving a length disposed between extraction vessel first and second ends(9)(10) of between about 24 inches (about 610 millimeters) to about 72inches (about 1829 millimeters). The extraction vessel side wall (13)can have a thickness disposed between the extraction vessel internalsurface (7) and extraction vessel external surface (14) of about onehalf inch (about 13 millimeters) to about one inch (about 25millimeters) depending upon the material of the extraction vessel (6)and the thickness to contain a supercritical fluid having a pressure ofbetween about 500 pounds per square inch (“psi”) to about 20,000 psi ata temperature of between about 20° C. to about 150° C. depending uponthe kind and amount of the matrix (3) and the kind and amount of theextract (2) being extracted from the matrix (3). However, this exampleis not intended to preclude other embodiments of the extraction vessel(6) which can define cross sections orthogonal to the longitudinal axis(15) that can, but need not necessarily, be polygonal, such as atriangle, a square, a rectangle, or an oval, an ellipse, or combinationsthereof.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 5 through 9 and 13, embodiments of theextraction vessel (6), can but need not necessarily, include first andsecond porous end assemblies (95)(96) that can be correspondinglyremovably sealably fitted proximate the extraction vessel first andsecond ends (9)(10). As to particular embodiments, the first and secondporous end assemblies (95)(96) can each include a substantially rigidfrit (97) having sufficiently large pores (98) to allow extractants (4)(whether subcritical fluids and supercritical fluids) to flow throughthe frit (97) but sufficient small to substantially prevent the matrix(3) from passing through the frit (97). The frit porosity may be betweenabout 4 micrometer (“m”) to about 200 μm depending upon the matrixparticle size to be extracted which may typically be between about 0.5millimeter (“mm”) to about 5 mm; although the matrix (3) may have alesser or greater particle size depending upon the application. Anannular sealing element (99) can have an inner periphery (100) which canbe sealably fitted about the periphery of the frit (97) and an outerperiphery (101) which can be disposed in sealably fixed relation withthe extractor vessel internal surface (7) proximate the extractionvessel first or second ends (9)(10).

As shown in the example of FIG. 9, the extraction vessel internalsurface (7) can be configured to provide an annular shoulder (102) whichcorresponding engages a portion of an annular sealing element first face(103) of the annular sealing element (99). The extraction vesselinternal surface (7) can be further configured to provide an annulargroove (104) in which a corresponding portion of a fit retaining clip(105) removably inserts to dispose the fit retaining clip (105) againstan annular sealing element second face (106) of the annular sealingelement (99) to fix the axial location of the annular sealing element(99) in the extraction chamber (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 13, the extraction vessel (6) caninclude a medial portion (16) disposed between first and second terminalportions (17)(18). One or both of the first and second terminal portions(17)(18) can have a corresponding first or second terminal portioninternal surface (19)(20) of the extraction vessel internal surface (7).One or both of a first piston (11) or a second piston (12) cancorrespondingly slidably engage the first or second terminal portioninternal surface (19)(20). As shown in the illustrative examples ofFIGS. 6 through 8, each of the first and second pistons (11)(12) can begenerally configured as cylinders each including generally circularcongruent first and a second bases (21)(22) disposed in opposed relationa distance apart connected by a corresponding first or second pistonsidewall (23)(24). The first or second piston sidewall (23)(24) can beconfigured to reciprocally slidably engage and disengage thecorresponding first or second terminal portion internal surfaces(19)(20) of the extraction vessel (6). While the figures show the firstand second pistons (11)(12) as being generally cylindrical in form, anyconfiguration of the first or second pistons (11)(12) having acorresponding first or second piston sidewall (23)(24) which slidablysealably engages corresponding first or second terminal portion internalsurfaces (19)(20) of extraction vessel (6) over the useful operatingrange of temperature and pressure used to extract matrices with one ormore supercritical fluids or subcritical fluids can be utilized inembodiments of the invention. Similarly, while examples of theextraction vessel (6) shown in the Figures comprise generallycylindrical extraction vessels (6) and cylindrical first and secondpistons (11)(12), the extraction vessel (6) and sealably engagable firstand second pistons (11)(12) can have internal surfaces and correspondingsidewalls that define a triangle, a square, a rectangle, an oval, orother configuration which defines an extraction chamber (8) capable ofcontaining an amount of matrix (3).

Again referring primarily to FIGS. 9 and 12, configurations of the firstor second piston (11)(12) can further include one or more seal elements(25) which can be circumferentially disposed about the first or secondpiston sidewalls (23)(24) to facilitate sealable engagement between oneor both of the first or second piston sidewalls (23)(24) and thecorresponding first or second terminal portion internal surfaces(19)(20). As to particular embodiments, the one more seal elements (25)can be coupled to the first or second terminal portion internal surface(19)(20) or can be coupled to the first or second piston sidewall(23)(24). As an illustrative example, one or more circumferentialgrooves (26) can, but need not necessarily, be disposed in the first orsecond piston sidewall (23)(24) or in the first or second terminalportion internal surfaces (19)(20). The one or more seal elements (25)can, but need not necessarily, be disposed in the circumferential groove(26) such that a part of the one or more seal elements (25) extendbeyond the first or second piston sidewalls (23)(24) or beyond the firstor second terminal portion internal surfaces (19)(20) to correspondinglyengage the first or second terminal portion internal surfaces (19)(20)or the first or second piston sidewall (23)(24) to correspondinglysealably engage one or both of a first piston (11) and a second piston(12) in relation to the first or second terminal portion internalsurfaces (19)(20) of the extraction vessel (6).

Again referring primarily to FIGS. 6 through 8, the first and secondpistons (11)(12) can, but need not necessarily, correspondingly includea first piston port (27) and a second piston port (28) which communicatebetween the surfaces of the first and second bases (21)(22) to define afirst and second piston passage (29)(30) for the ingress and egress ofone or more supercritical fluids (4) or subcritical fluids to or fromthe extraction vessel (6).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 6 through 8, 10 and 12, embodimentscan, but need not necessarily, include a first piston actuator (31)connected to said first piston (11). The first piston actuator (31)operates to move the first piston (11) to slidably sealably engage thefirst terminal portion internal surface (19) of the first terminalportion (17) of the extraction vessel. As an illustrative example, thefirst piston actuator (31) can, but need not necessarily, include afirst tubular actuator shaft (32) directly or indirectly connected tothe first piston port (27). Operation of the first piston actuator (31)moves the first tubular actuator shaft (32) to correspondingly move thefirst piston (11) to reciprocally slidably engage and disengage thefirst piston sidewall (23) with the corresponding first terminal portioninternal surface (19). As to the embodiment of the first piston actuator(31) shown in the Figures, the first tubular actuator shaft (32) can beresponsive to the corresponding movement of a first actuator piston (33)that travels within a first actuator cylinder (34). The first actuatorpiston (33) divides the first actuator cylinder (34) to define first andsecond cylinder chambers (35)(36) on opposite sides of the firstactuator piston (33). The first actuator piston (33) within the firstactuator cylinder (34) can be reciprocally driven toward opposed firstpiston actuator cylinder ends (37)(38) by concurrent ingress of a firstamount actuator fluid (39), whether liquid or gas, into the firstcylinder chamber (35) and egress of a second amount of actuator fluid(40) from the second cylinder chamber (36) followed by concurrentingress of the second amount of actuator fluid (40) into the secondcylinder chamber (36) and egress of the first amount of actuator fluid(39) from the first cylinder chamber (35). A first conduit (41) can bepass within the tubular actuator shaft (32) and have a conduit first end(42) sealably fitted to the first piston port (27). A conduit second end(43) can be coupled to a fluid flow generator (44) adapted to generate aflow of supercritical fluid (4) or subcritical fluid from a fluid source(44) containing an amount supercritical fluid (4) to the first pistonport (27). This illustrative example, is not intended to preclude otherembodiments of the first piston actuator (31) which can reciprocallymove the first piston (11) to sealably engage and disengage the firstterminal portion internal surface (19) of the first terminal portion(17) of the extraction vessel (6) with the first conduit (41) sealablyfitted to the first piston port (27) allowing conveyance of an amount ofsupercritical fluid (4) or subcritical fluid from the fluid source (44)into the extraction chamber (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 12, embodiments can, but need notnecessarily, include a second piston actuator (45) connected to thesecond piston (12). The second piston actuator (45) operates to move thesecond piston (12) to sealably engage the second terminal portioninternal surface (20) of the second terminal portion (18) of theextraction vessel (6). As to particular embodiments, the second pistonactuator (45) can, but need not necessarily, include a second tubularactuator shaft (46) directly or indirectly connected to the secondpiston port (28). Operation of the second piston actuator (45) moves thesecond tubular actuator shaft (46) to correspondingly move the secondpiston (12) to reciprocally slidably engage and disengage the secondpiston sidewall (24) with the corresponding second terminal portioninternal surface (20). As to the embodiment of the second pistonactuator (45) shown in the Figures, the second tubular actuator shaft(46) can be responsive to the corresponding movement of a secondactuator piston (47) that travels within a second actuator cylinder(48). The second actuator piston (47) divides the second actuatorcylinder (48) to define first and second cylinder chambers (49)(50) onopposite sides of the second actuator piston (47). The second actuatorpiston (47) within the second actuator cylinder (48) can be reciprocallydriven toward opposed second piston actuator cylinder ends (51)(52) byconcurrent ingress of a first amount actuator fluid (53), whether liquidor gas, into the first cylinder chamber (49) and egress of a secondamount of actuator fluid (54) from the second cylinder chamber (50)followed by concurrent ingress of the second amount of actuator fluid(54) into the second cylinder chamber (50) and egress of the firstamount of actuator fluid (53) from the first cylinder chamber (49). Asecond conduit (55) can pass within the second tubular actuator shaft(46) and have a second conduit first end (56) sealably fitted to thesecond piston port (28). A second conduit second end (57) can be coupledto the fluid flow generator (44) adapted to allow a flow ofsupercritical fluid (4) from the extraction chamber (8). Thisillustrative example, is not intended to preclude other embodiments ofthe second piston actuator (45) which can reciprocally move the secondpiston (12) to sealably engage and disengage the second terminal portioninternal surface (20) of the second terminal portion (18) of theextraction vessel (6) with the second conduit (55) sealably fitted tothe second piston port (28) allowing conveyance of an amount ofsupercritical fluid (4) from the extraction chamber (8). The first andsecond piston actuators (31)(45) can in the alternative, as illustrativeexamples, be a push-pull solenoid, pneumatic cylinder, hydrauliccylinder, or the like.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 6 through 8 and 10 through 12,particular embodiments can, but need not necessarily, include a firstpiston retaining assembly (58) which engages the first piston (11) tomaintain sealed engagement of the first piston (11) with the firstterminal portion internal surface (19) of the extraction vessel (6)under normal operating conditions and which disengages from the firstpiston (11) to allow the first piston (11) to be disengaged from thefirst terminal portion internal surface (19) of the extraction vessel(6). The first piston retaining assembly (58) acts on the first piston(11) to substantially eliminate movement of the first piston (11)sealably engaged with the first terminal portion internal surface (19)when the fluid pressure within the extraction chamber (8) is within therange of about zero psi and 20,000 psi.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 12, as to particular embodiments, thefirst piston retaining assembly (58) can include only a first pistonretaining member (59) which engages the first piston (11) sealablyengaged to the first terminal portion internal surface (19) of theextraction vessel (6). The first piston retaining member (59) can takeany form adapted to be engaged and disengaged from the first piston(11). While the illustrative example shown in the Figures includes afirst piston retaining member (59) configured as a substantially flatfirst piston retaining plate (60) having a bifurcated end (61) defininga piston retaining member slot (62) configured to receive the firsttubular actuator shaft (32) between the two parts of the bifurcated end(61), this is not intended to preclude embodiments of the first pistonretaining member (59) otherwise configured.

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 12, the first piston retainingassembly (58), can but need not necessarily further include, a firstpiston retaining member actuator (63) connected or directly connected tothe first piston retaining member (59). The first piston retainingmember actuator (63) can be operable to move the first piston retainingmember (59) to engage the first piston (11). The first retaining memberactuator (63) can have a structure and function the same or similar tothe above described first and second piston actuators (31)(45); howeverthe first piston retaining assembly (58) could also take the form ofpush-pull solenoid, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or the like.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 6 through 9 and 12, the first pistonretaining assembly (58) can, but need not necessarily, further include afirst piston retaining member guide (64) including a first pistonretaining member guide channel (65) into which the first pistonretaining member (59) moves between a first piston position whichengages the first piston (11) while sealably engaged with the firstterminal portion internal surface (19) of the extraction vessel (6) anda second piston position which disengages the first piston retainingmember (59) from the first piston (11). The first piston retainingmember guide (64) can take any form adapted to guide the first pistonretaining member (59) between the first piston position and the secondpiston position. While the Figures show the first piston retainingmember guide (64) configured as a substantially flat piston retainingmember guide plate (65) having a first piston retaining member channel(66) configured to receive a substantially flat piston retaining plate(60) having a bifurcated end (61) defining a piston retaining memberslot (62) as above described, this is not intended to limit the firstpiston retaining member guide (64) solely to this configuration.

Again referring to FIGS. 6 through 8 and 12, as to particularembodiments, the first piston retaining member guide (64) and the firstpiston retaining member (59) received in the first retaining memberguide channel (65) can have substantially flat first and second faces(67)(68). The first piston retaining member guide (64) and the firstpiston retaining member (59) received in the first retaining memberguide channel (65) can be disposed between a substantially flat firstend plate (69) and a substantially flat first pressure receiving plate(70). The flat first end plate (69) can include a first piston aperture(71) in which the first piston (11) reciprocally moves. The pistonheight (72) between the first and second piston base (21)(22) can bematched to a combined thickness (73) of the first end plate (69) and thefirst piston retaining member guide (59). The first piston (11) can bemoved in the first piston aperture (71) to engage the first base (21)with the first pressure receiving plate (70) to dispose the second base(22) in substantially flush or recessed relation to the surface of theflat first end plate (69) facing the extraction vessel first end (9) toallow the first piston (11) to disengage from the first terminal portioninternal surface (19) of the extraction vessel (6)(as shown in theexample of FIG. 8). The first piston (11) can be moved in the firstpiston aperture (71) to dispose the first base (21) in substantiallyflush or recessed relation to the surface of the flat first end plate(69) facing away from the vessel first end (9) and with the first piston(11) extending sufficiently outward of the flat first end plate (69) tosealably engage the first terminal portion internal surface (18) of theextraction vessel (6)(as shown in the example of FIG. 6).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 12, particular embodiments can, but neednot necessarily, further include a second piston retaining assembly (74)which engages the second piston (12) when sealably engaged with thesecond terminal end portion internal surface (20) of the extractionvessel (6) and which disengages the second piston (12) to allow thesecond piston (12) to be disengaged from the second terminal end portioninternal surface (20) of the extraction vessel (6). The second pistonretaining assembly (74) acts on the second piston (12) to substantiallyeliminate movement of the second piston (12) when sealably engaged withthe second terminal end portion internal surface (20) of the extractionvessel (6) when the fluid pressure within the extraction chamber (8) iswithin the range of about zero psi and 20,000 psi.

As to those embodiments which include a second piston retaining assembly(74), the second piston retaining assembly (74) can be configured in thesame or similar manner as above described for the first piston retainingassembly (58) including one or more of: a second piston retaining member(76) which removably engages the second piston (12) when sealablyengaged with the second terminal portion internal surface (20) of theextraction vessel (6), a second piston retaining member guide (77)including a second piston retaining member guide channel (78) in whichthe second piston retaining member (76) moves between a first pistonposition which engages the second piston (12) sealably engaged with thesecond terminal portion internal surface (20) of the extraction vessel(6) and a second piston position which disengages the second pistonretaining member (76) from the second piston (12) when sealably engagedwith the second terminal portion internal surface (20) of the extractionvessel (6).

As to particular embodiments, the second piston retaining member guide(77) and the second piston retaining member (76) received in the secondpiston retaining member guide channel (78) can have substantially flatfirst and second faces (79)(80). The second piston retaining memberguide (77) and the second piston retaining member (76) received in thesecond piston retaining member guide channel (78) can be disposedbetween a substantially flat second end plate (81) and a substantiallyflat second pressure receiving plate (82). The second end plate (81) caninclude a second piston aperture (83) in which the second piston (12)reciprocally moves. The second piston height (84) between the first andsecond bases (21)(22) can be matched to the combined thickness of thesecond end plate (81) and the second piston retaining member guide (77).The second piston (12) can be moved in the second piston aperture (83)to engage the first base (21) with the second pressure receiving plate(82) to dispose the second base (22) in substantially flush or recessedrelation to the surface of the flat second end plate (81) facing theextraction vessel second end (10). The second piston (12) can be movedin the second piston aperture (83) to dispose the first base (21) insubstantially flush or recessed relation to the surface of the flatsecond end plate (81) facing away from the vessel second end (10) andwith the second piston (12) extending sufficiently outward of the flatsecond end plate (81) to sealably engage the second terminal portioninternal surface (20) of the extraction vessel (6).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 5 and 12, embodiments can,but need not necessarily, include one or more connecting members (85)which interconnect the first and second pressure receiving plates(70)(82). Particular embodiments include first and second connectingmembers (86)(87) correspondingly fixedly connected to opposed sides ofthe first and second pressure receiving plates (70)(82). The extractionvessel (6) can be disposed between the first and second connectingmembers (86)(87) with the extraction vessel first and second ends(9)(10) correspondingly disposed adjacent the first and second pistonretaining assemblies (58)(74) to allow corresponding sealable engagementof the first and second pistons (11)(12) with the first and secondterminal portion internal surfaces (19)(20) of the extraction vessel(6).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 11B and 12, embodiments can, but neednot necessarily, further include a first or a second extraction vesselcentering guides (88)(89)(or both a first and a second extraction vesselcentering guides (88)(89)) correspondingly coupled to one or both of thefirst and second end plates (69)(81). The first and second extractionvessel centering guides (88)(89) can each be configured to engage acorresponding portion of the extraction vessel external surface (14)proximate or at the extraction vessel first or second ends (9)(10) toalign the first and second terminal portion internal surfaces (19)(20)to correspondingly receive and sealably engage the first and secondpistons (11)(12). As to particular embodiments, the first or secondextraction vessel centering guides (88)(89) can each be configured toinclude a pair of opposed guide plate faces (90)(91) joined by a guideplate peripheral edge (92). A portion of the guide plate peripheral edge(92) can include a pair of converging edge portions (93)(94) fixedlylocated to engage a corresponding portion of the extraction vesselexternal surface (14) at or proximate the extraction vessel first orsecond ends (9)(10). Sliding engagement of the extraction vesselexternal surface (14) at or proximate the extraction vessel first orsecond ends (9)(10) with the pair of converging end portions (93)(94)until the extraction vessel (6) cannot be moved any further towardconvergence of the pair converging edge portions (93)(94) disposes theextraction vessel (6) at a location at which the first and secondpistons (11)(12) can slidably sealably engage the corresponding firstand second terminal portion internal surfaces (19)(20) of the extractionvessel (6).

Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 13, embodiments can, but need notnecessarily, include an extraction vessel support (107) coupled to theextraction vessel external surface (14). The extraction vessel support(107) functions to support the extraction vessel (6) with the extractionvessel first and second ends (9)(10) correspondingly adjacent the firstand second piston retaining assemblies (58)(74) to allow correspondingsealable engagement of the first and second pistons (11)(12) with thefirst and second terminal portion internal surfaces (19)(20) of theextraction vessel (6) (as shown in the example of FIG. 1). As toparticular embodiments, the extraction vessel support (107) can beextended and retracted to allow corresponding movement of the extractionvessel (6) from an extraction vessel first position (108) at which theextraction vessel first and second ends (9)(10) are correspondinglyadjacent the first and second piston retaining assemblies (58)(74) toallow corresponding slidable sealable engagement of the first and secondpistons (11)(12) with the first and second terminal portion internalsurfaces (19)(20) of the extraction vessel (6) (as shown in the exampleof FIG. 1) to a extraction vessel second position (109) a sufficientdistance from the connecting members (86)(87) to allow loading orunloading of an amount of matrix (3) into or from the extraction chamber(8)(as shown in the example of FIG. 2). As an illustrative example, theextraction vessel external surface (14) can be engaged between two pairsof opposed roller elements (110)(111) spaced apart to allow theextraction vessel support (107) to travel upon forcible urging betweenthe extraction vessel first position (108) and the extraction vesselsecond position (109). As another example, the extraction vessel support(107) can include telescopingly engaged portions which allow extensionand retraction between the extraction vessel first position (108) andthe extraction vessel second position (109).

Again, referring primarily to FIGS. 5 and 13, embodiments of theextraction vessel support (107) can, but need not necessarily, furtherinclude an extraction vessel support actuator (112) operable to draw theextraction vessel (6) toward the extraction vessel second position(109). As to particular embodiments, the extraction vessel supportactuator (112) can engage the extraction vessel (6) with the first orsecond extraction vessel centering guides (88)(89) to draw the first andsecond terminal portion internal surfaces (20)(21) into axial alignmentwith the first and second pistons (11)(12). As to particularembodiments, the extraction vessel support actuator (112) can include amagnet (113) (or an electromagnet which can be energized) whichgenerates a magnetic field (114) which acts on the extraction vesselsupport (107) or the extraction vessel (6) to draw the extraction vessel(6) toward the extraction vessel second position (109) and can furtherfunction to hold the extraction vessel (6) at the second positionthrough a pre-selected operation cycle of the supercritical fluidextraction system (1) or until manually disengaged by de-energizing theelectromagnet (113). Understandably, the extraction vessel supportactuator (112) could take various forms including a push-pull solenoid,pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or the like.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 3 and 13, embodiments of the extractionvessel support (107) can, but need not necessarily, further include anextraction vessel rotation element (115) coupled to the extractionvessel (6). The extraction vessel rotation element (115) allows theextraction vessel (6) disposed in the second position (109), as abovedescribed, to rotate about an extraction vessel rotation element axis(116) to correspondingly rotate the longitudinal axis (15) of theextraction vessel (6) between a generally vertical orientation (117) (asshown in the example of FIG. 2) and a generally horizontal orientation(118) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 3 and 4).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 6 and 13, a heat source (119) can becoupled to the extraction vessel external surface (14) to control thetemperature of the extraction vessel (6) and the corresponding amount ofextractant (4) flowing through the extraction chamber (8) of anextraction vessel (6) within a temperature range of between about 5° C.to about 150° C. While the figures show a plurality of heat bandscoupled in spaced apart relation to the extraction vessel externalsurface (14), embodiments may include a single continuous band along theentire length or a portion of the length of the extraction vesselexternal surface (14) depending upon the thermal transfer properties ofthe material used for the extraction vessel (6). The heat source (119)can be coupled to a temperature adjustment element (120) which canmonitor temperature of an amount of extractant (4) in the extractionchamber (8) to allow continuous adjustment of the temperature tomaintain pre-selected subcritical conditions (129) or pre-selectedsupercritical conditions (130) of the extractant (4) in the extractionchamber (8). The temperature adjustment element (120) can maintain apreselected temperature or a preselected temperature profile(preselected temperature change over a period of time) during anoperating cycle of the extraction system (1).

The temperature of the extractant can be selected from the group oftemperature ranges comprising or consisting of: about 5° C. to about 15°C., about 10° C. to about 20° C., about 15° C. to about 25° C., about20° C. to about 30° C., about 25° C. to about 35° C., about 30° C. toabout 40° C., about 35° C. to about 45° C., about 40° C. to about 50°C., about 55° C. to about 65° C., about 60° C. to about 70° C., about65° C. to about 75° C., about 70° C. to about 80° C., about 75° C. toabout 85° C., about 80° C. to about 90° C., about 85° C. to about 95°C., about 90° C. to about 100° C., about 95° C. to about 105° C., about100° C. to about 110° C., about 105° C. to about 115° C., about 110° C.to about 120° C., about 115° C. to about 125° C., about 120° C. to about130° C., about 125° C. to about 135° C., about 130° C. to about 145° C.,about 140° C. to about 155° C., or combinations thereof over a period oftime.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 6 and 12, the fluid flow generator (44)can regulate the pressure of the extractant (4) inside of the extractionchamber (8) in range of between about 500 psi (about 55 bar) to about20,000 psi (about 1380 bar). The fluid flow generator (44) can coupledto a pressure monitor (121) which monitors the pressure inside theextraction chamber (8) to allow continuous adjustment of the pressure tomaintain pre-selected subcritical or supercritical conditions (129)(130)inside of the extraction chamber (8). The pressure of the extractant (4)can be selected from the group of pressure ranges including orconsisting of: about 500 psi to about 1500 psi, 1000 psi to about 2000psi, about 1500 psi to about 2500 psi, about 2000 psi to about 3000 psi,about 2500 psi to about 3500 psi, about 3000 psi to about 4000 psi,about 3500 psi to about 4500 psi, about 4000 psi to about 5000 psi,about 5500 psi to about 6500 psi, about 6000 psi to about 7000 psi,about 6500 psi to about 7500 psi, about 7000 psi to about 8000 psi,about 7500 psi to about 8500 psi, about 8000 psi to about 9000 psi,about 8500 psi to about 9500 psi, about 9000 psi to about 10,000 psi,about 9500 psi to about 10,500 psi, about 10,000 psi to about 11,000psi, about 10,500 psi to about 11,500 psi, about 11,000 psi to about12,000 psi, about 11,500 psi to about 12,500 psi, about 12,000 psi toabout 13,000 psi, about 12,500 psi to about 13,500 psi, about 13,000 psito about 14,000 psi, about 13,500 psi to about 14,500 psi, about 14,000psi to about 15,000 psi, about 14,500 psi to about 15,500 psi, about15,000 psi to about 15,500 psi, about 15,500 psi to about 16,500 psi,about 16,000 psi to about 17,000 psi, about 16,500 psi to about 17,500psi, about 17,000 psi to about 18,000 psi, about 17,500 psi to about18,500 psi, about 18,000 psi to about 19,000 psi, about 18,500 psi toabout 19,500 psi, and about 19,000 psi to about 20,000 psi, orcombinations thereof over a period of time.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 6, 9, and 13, an extraction vesselhousing (131) can surround the extraction vessel external surface (14)to insulate the extraction vessel (6) provide the user a contact andgripping surface which remains substantially at ambient temperature.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 5, the extraction system (1)can, but need not necessarily, include a programmable controller (122)operable to control the operation of one or more of an extraction vesselsupport actuator (112), the first piston actuator (31), the secondpiston actuator (45), the fluid flow generator (44), a plurality ofconduits and valves (123) configured to allow transfer of the amount ofextractant (4) into the one or more extraction chambers (8) and transferthe amount of extractant (4) entraining one or more extracts (2) removedfrom a matrix (3) away from the one or more extraction chambers (8).

As shown in the illustrative examples of FIGS. 1 through 4, theextraction system (1) can include two extraction vessels (6) inclusiveof one or more of the components above described. However, thisillustrative example is not intended to limit the extraction system (1)to embodiments having only two extraction vessels (6) and certainembodiments can include only one extraction vessel (6) while otherembodiments may include two, three, four or more extraction vessels (6)each of which can be operated in unison by the controller (122) toprocess matrices (3) for the removal of one or more extracts (2) whetherin serial, staggered parallel, or parallel application of one or moreprocessing steps defined by one or more processing programs (124)contained in a controller memory (125) executable by a controllerprocessor (126) communicatively coupled to the controller memory (125).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 12 and 13, the extraction system (1)as above described can be obtained and each of the one or moreextraction vessels (6) can be disposed in the extraction first position(108) in which extraction vessel first and second ends (9)(10) areadjacent the first and second piston retaining assemblies (58)(74) toallow corresponding sealable engagement of the first and second pistons(11)(12) with the first and second terminal portion internal surfaces(19)(20) of each extraction vessel (6) (as shown in the example of FIG.1).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 2, 12 and 13, an extraction vessel (6)can be moved to the extraction vessel second position (109) a distancefrom the first and second piston retaining assemblies (58)(74)(as shownin the example of FIG. 2). The first or second porous end assemblies(95)(96) can be removed from one or both of the extraction vessel firstor second ends (9)(10) (as shown in the example of FIG. 13). A first orsecond porous end assembly (95)(96) can be re-engaged with acorresponding extraction vessel first or second end (9)(10)(as shown inthe examples of FIGS. 6 and 9). An amount of matrix (3) can betransferred into the extraction chamber (8) through the remaining openextraction vessel first or second end (9)(10) (as shown in the exampleof FIG. 6). The remaining first or second porous end assembly (95)(96)can be re-engaged with the extraction vessel first or second end (9)(10)(as shown in the example of FIG. 6 through 9).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 3, 4, 12 and 13, as to particularembodiments, an extraction vessel (6) disposed in the extraction vesselsecond position (109) can be rotated from a substantially verticalorientation (117) (as shown in the example of FIG. 2) to a substantiallyhorizontal orientation (118) to facilitate removal of the first andsecond porous end assemblies (95)(96), cleaning of the extraction vessel(6), or transfer of a matrix (3) to or from the extraction chamber (8)(as shown in the example of FIG. 4).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, the extraction vessel (6) can bereturned to the extraction vessel first position (108) in whichextraction vessel first and second ends (9)(10) are adjacent the firstand second piston retaining assemblies (58)(74) to allow correspondingsealable engagement of the first and second pistons (11)(12) with thefirst and second terminal portion internal surfaces (19)(20) of eachextraction vessel (6) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 6 through 9).The method can be performed with respect to additional extractionvessels (6) consistent with a selected serial, staggered parallel orparallel processing program (124).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 6, depending upon the kind andamount of matrix (3) transferred to the extraction vessel chamber (8)and the specific extract or mixture of extracts (2) to be removed fromthe matrix (3), the controller (122) can control the fluid flowgenerator (44) and can control the heat source (119) to deliver apre-selected amount of extractant (4) from a fluid source (44A) atpre-selected flow rates, pressures and temperatures to achievepre-selected subcritical conditions (129) or pre-selected supercriticalconditions (130), or a combination thereof, inside the extractionchamber (8) (as shown in the example of FIG. 6). While the figuresillustrate the extractant (4) having a direction of flow within theextraction chamber from the second terminal portion (18) toward thefirst terminal portion (17), as to certain methods the extractant (4)can have a direction of flow in the extraction chamber (8) from thefirst terminal portion (17) toward the second terminal portion (18).

For example, the controller (122) can control a flow rate, pressure andtemperature of carbon dioxide (“CO₂”) to achieve pre-selectedsubcritical conditions (129) for a pre-selected period of time underwhich density of the subcritical carbon dioxide can be relatively low,and can remain relatively low even as the controller (122) increasespressure until the extraction system reaches the critical point of theCO₂. Thereafter, the controller (122) can control the flow rate,pressure and temperature of carbon dioxide to achieve and maintainpre-selected supercritical conditions (130) for a pre-selected period oftime under which density of supercritical carbon dioxide can berelatively high, and can remain relatively high. Alternately, thecontroller (122) can control a flow rate, pressure and temperature ofcarbon dioxide (“CO₂”) to initially achieve supercritical conditions(126) for a pre-selected period of time under which density of thesubcritical carbon dioxide can be relatively high, and can remainrelatively high as compared to subcritical conditions (125). The amountof extractant (4) under the pre-selected subcritical conditions (129) orpre-selected supercritical conditions (130) can fluidicly engage thematrix (3) to remove selected extracts, a selected mixture of extracts,or substantially all the extracts extractable with one extractant (4) orcombination of extractants (4) from the matrix (3) (as shown in theexample of FIG. 6). While the solvating power of subcritical CO₂ may bereduced under subcritical conditions (129), a high degree of selectivitymay be achieved, as only the most soluble components can be efficientlysolubilized by the CO₂.

For example, with respect to botanical drug extracts derived fromcannabis plant material, the cannabinoid fraction can be selectivelyobtained containing only a limited number of non-target compounds, manyof which can be subsequently readily removed from the extract (2). Incontrast, under supercritical conditions (130), CO₂ has an increaseddensity which has the effect of greatly increasing the solvating powerof the CO₂, which can confer an advantage in that more cannabinoids aresolubilized achieving high yields in a lesser period of time.Accordingly, the extraction of botanical drug substances, including, butnot limited to, cannabinoids from cannabis plant material can forexample be accomplished with CO₂ under subcritical conditions (129) at atemperature of between about 5° C. to about 15° C. and at a pressure ofbetween about 700 psi to about 1200 psi or under supercriticalconditions (126) at temperatures of between about 90° C. to about 100°C. and at a pressure of between about 7,000 psi to about 8,500 psi, oreven at temperatures of between about 80° C. to about 110° C. and atpressures of between about 9,000 psi to about 10,000 psi (or evengreater pressures of up to 12,000 psi and even greater temperatures ofup to about 120° C. can be utilized). The use of supercriticalconditions (126) to extract botanical drug substances can affordadvantageously lower extractant (4) to matrix (3) ratios of betweenabout 5 to 1 to about 7 to 1. It is believed that these advantageoussolvent-to-feed ratios of between 5 to 1 to about 7 to 1 have not beentaught in association with the extraction of botanical drug substances.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 6 and 12, extractant (4) (whether atsubcritical conditions (129) or supercritical conditions (130)containing the selected extract or mixture of extracts (2) removed fromthe matrix (3) can egress through the second piston port (28) (as shownin the example of FIG. 6). The amount of extractant (4) containing thespecific extract or mixture of extracts (2) can be transferred from thesecond piston port (28) to an extract receiving vessel (127). CO₂ can besubsequently removed under vacuum and the recovered extract held at atemperature in the range from −15° C. to −20° C.

In the preparation of a botanical drug substance from a cannabis plant,decarboxylation can be carried out prior to extraction with liquid CO₂.Decarboxylation can be achieved by heating the cannabis plant materialto temperatures and for times which ensure at least 95% conversion ofthe acid cannabinoids from the acid form to their neutral form whileensuring thermal degradation of THC to CBN is less than 10%. Forexample, medicinal cannabis plant can be heated to a first temperaturefor a first time period to evaporate off retained water and allow foruniform heating of the plant material and the temperature is increasedto a second temperature for a second time period until at least 95%conversion of the acid cannabinoids to their neutral form has occurred.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of an extractionsystem (1) and methods for making and using such extraction system (1)including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of an “extractor” shouldbe understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “extracting”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “extracting”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of an “extractor” and even a “meansfor extracting.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are tobe understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the extraction systems herein disclosed and described, ii) therelated methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, andeven implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1. An extractor, comprising: an extraction vessel having an internalsurface which defines an extraction chamber which communicates betweenopen extraction vessel first and second ends; a first piston having afirst piston sidewall joining a first piston first base opposite a firstpiston second base, said first piston sidewall adapted to slidinglysealably engage said internal surface of said extraction vessel firstend; a second piston having a second piston sidewall joining a secondpiston first base opposite a second piston second base, said secondpiston sidewall adapted to slidingly sealably engage said internalsurface of said extraction vessel second end; a first piston retainingmember slidingly engaging said first piston first base of said firstpiston sealably engaged with said internal surface of said extractionvessel first end; and a second piston retaining member slidinglyengaging said second piston first base of said second piston sealablyengaged with said internal surface of said extraction vessel first end.2-3. (canceled)
 4. The extractor of claim 1, further comprising a firstpiston retaining member guide including a first guide channel in whichsaid first piston retaining member slides between a first position whichengages said first piston first piston first base of said first pistonsealably engaged with said internal surface of said extraction vesselfirst end and a second position which disengages said first pistonretaining member from said first piston first base of said first pistonsealably engaged with said internal surface of said extraction vesselfirst end.
 5. The extractor of claim 4, further comprising a secondpiston retaining member guide including a second guide channel in whichsaid second piston retaining member slides between a first positionwhich engages said second piston first base of said second pistonsealably engaged with said internal surface of said extraction vesselsecond end and a second position which disengages said first pistonretaining member from said second piston first base of said secondpiston sealably engaged with said internal surface of said extractionvessel first end.
 6. The extractor of claim 5, further comprising afirst pressure receiving plate adjacently abuttingly engaging a firstside of said first piston retaining member guide in which said firstpiston retaining member moves to engage and disengage said first piston.7. The extractor of claim 6, further comprising a first end plateadjacently abuttingly engaged to a second side of said first pistonretaining member guide in which said first piston retaining member movesto engage and disengage said first piston, said first end plate having afirst piston aperture through which said first piston moves to sealablyengage said internal surface of said extraction vessel first end.
 8. Theextractor of claim 7, further comprising a second pressure receivingplate adjacently abuttingly engaging a first side of said second pistonretaining member guide in which said second piston retaining membermoves to engage and disengage said second piston.
 9. The extractor ofclaim 8, further comprising a second end plate adjacently abuttinglyengaged to a second side of said second piston retaining member guide inwhich said second piston retaining member moves to engage and disengagesaid second piston, said second end plate having a second pistonaperture through which said second piston moves to sealably engage saidinternal surface of said extraction vessel second end.
 10. The extractorof claim 9, further comprising first and second extraction vesselcentering guides correspondingly coupled to said first and second endplate, said first and second extraction vessel centering guides eachconfigured to engage a corresponding portion of the external surface ofsaid extraction vessel proximate said extraction vessel first and secondends to align said internal surface of said extraction vessel first andsecond ends to correspondingly slidably receive said first and secondpistons.
 11. The extractor of claim 10, further comprising a firstpiston actuator connected to said first piston, said first linearactuator operable to move said first piston to sealably engage saidinternal surface of said extraction vessel first end.
 12. The extractorof claim 11, further comprising a second piston actuator connected tosaid second piston, said second linear actuator operable to move saidsecond piston to sealably engage said internal surface of saidextraction vessel second end.
 13. The extractor of claim 12, whereinsaid first piston actuator includes a first tubular actuator shaftconnected to a first piston inlet port, said tubular actuator shaftcoupled to a first conduit adapted to covey an amount of extractant toor from said first piston inlet port.
 14. The extractor of claim 13,wherein said second piston actuator includes a second tubular actuatorshaft connected to a second piston outlet port, said second tubularactuator shaft coupled to a second conduit adapted to covey an amount ofextractant to or from said second piston outlet port.
 15. The extractorof claim 14, further comprising a first retaining member actuatorconnected to said first piston retaining member, said first retainingmember linear actuator operable to move first piston retaining member toengage said first piston sealably engaged with said internal surface ofsaid extraction vessel first end.
 16. The extractor of claim 15, furthercomprising a second retaining member actuator connected to said secondpiston retaining member, said second retaining member actuator operableto move second piston retaining member to engage said second pistonsealably engaged with said internal surface of said extraction vesselsecond end.
 17. The extractor of claim 16, further comprising anextraction vessel support including an extraction vessel rotationelement, said extraction vessel rotatable about an extraction vesselsupport axis of an extraction vessel support to position a longitudinalaxis of said extraction vessel in a generally horizontal orientation.18. The extractor of claim 17, further comprising a vessel actuatorconnected to said extraction vessel, said vessel linear actuatoroperable to move said extraction vessel to align said internal surfaceof said extraction vessel first and second ends to correspondinglyslidably receive said first and second pistons.
 19. The extractor ofclaim 18, further comprising a first connecting member interconnectingsaid first and second pressure receiving plates.
 20. The extractor ofclaim 19, further comprising a second connecting member interconnectingsaid first and second pressure receiving plate.
 21. The extractor ofclaim 20, further comprising a fluid flow generator connected to saidextraction vessel, said fluid flow generator capable of generating anextractant pressure inside of said extraction chamber of between about500 psi to about 20,000 psi.
 22. (canceled)
 23. The extractor of claim21, further comprising a heat source coupled to said extraction vesselexternal surface. 24-65. (canceled)